February 13, 1951
Subject: Representation on Central Group
Participants: Sir Oliver Franks, British Ambassador Ambassador Bonnet, French Embassy Mr. de Margerie, French Counselor Secretary Acheson Mr. Willard L. Thorp
Copies to: S - The Secretary EUR ARA ER - Evans
The Secretary opened the meeting by recalling a conversation with Ambassador Franks concerning the importance of speedy action in the field of materials. He said that on checking into the matter, he had found that although the establishment of Commodity Groups was proceeding on schedule, there was a substantial threat to the success of the venture. The matter of the Central Group, which he felt was really unimportant, was greatly disturbing the Latin Americans and might even affect their willingness to cooperate. He wished to propose a solution which he felt was clearly illogical but which might work. There were two groups which had shown great concern over this matter - the Latin Americans and the European countries. The solution was to add a representative of the OAS and OEEC to the temporary Central Committee. This seemed to be what they wanted. It was clearly the desire of the Latin Americans that some action was called for, no logical action seemed possible, and he thought this would work.
Mr. Thorp added that the problem essentially was one of eliminating the distrust which many countries had with respect to the temporary Central Group. The suggestion which the Secretary had made would mean that about 35 countries would feel that they were participating even though there were only two members added to the group. Up to now there had been no similar indication from Asia, but if that should develop, we would expect to ask the Asians to indicate how they thought they could best be represented and be prepared to add an additional member. Possibly, they might prefer to complicate the matter even further and suggest some individual. At any rate, the immediate problem was to prevent the breakdown of the Commodity Groups before they even started. We would still talk about the temporary Central Group so that there would be no impression created that this represented any final scheme of organization.
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Ambassador Franks said that he liked the suggestion, and it seemed to him that it would accomplish the most with the least danger. Furthermore, a collective representative would probably tend to function largely as an observer. He thought that it was helpful to stress the temporary character although recognizing that it might continue for some time.
The Secretary said that he had considered making these two additional members observers but had felt that that might not achieve the objective and would not actually be a significant distinction.
Ambassador Franks said that he was prepared to recommend this proposal to his government. He would hope that it could be understood that we did not propose to go beyond a total membership of six.
Mr. Thorp said that so far as the United States was concerned, we had thought in terms of seven - the seventh to be a representative of the British Commonwealth, but if that was not necessary we would certainly be glad to agree to a limit of six.
The Secretary said that he thought we ought not to add any members except when it seemed necessary.
Ambassador Bonnet said that he felt that the proposed resolution was the best formula. It was illogical, but that in this situation it was impossible to see any solution which would be logical. He felt that we would have to face the problem of Asia, but was quite prepared to consider that when necessary. He said that he would also recommend this solution to his government.
Mr. Thorp stressed the importance of speedy action in view of the fact that the invitations to the Commodity Groups had already been out for a week.
Both Ambassadors agreed that they would cable their governments at once.
Willard L. Thorp
E:WLThorp:imc